Island of Tyrrhenian Sea: Capri

Capri, with its picturesque locales, natural architectural wonders, its colorful history, turquoise waters and bustling city is a traveler’s paradise. The Island of Capri is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, in the Southern Italian region of Campania. There are numerous sightseeing avenues and places to explore in Capri, catering to all kinds of travelers.

Blue Grotto or Grotta Azzurra is the most visited site in Capri. Its popularity and beauty have made it into an emblem of the island of Capri. Blue grotto is a sea cave with a depth of about 150m, and length of some 50m. These caves are illuminated from within by a blue light. The bottom of the cave contains underwater cavities. When the sunlight passes through these cavities and shines through the sea water the reflection that is created is blue in color. This reflection lends the blue color to the cave and consequently its name. Sculptures depicting Neptune, Tritons dating back to the age of Emperor Tiberius were recovered from the cave. The sculptures show clear Roman influences.

The views within the Blue Grotto and around it are truly breath taking.

Faraglioni of Capri is another popular tourist location. In Italian Faraglioni means stacks. Three stacks of rocks located off the Island of Capri make for a spectacular sight located within the blue seas.

The three stacks are named Stella (109m), Mezzo (82m), Scopolo (106m). The road leading to Faraglioni is called Tragara. A walk down this road provides one with pleasant and scenic views.

Arco Naturale is another tourist attraction of Capri. Also called the Pizzolungo, this is the only surviving remains of a once proper and large grotto. The arch that remains is also amongst some of the natural and scenic sites that Capri has to offer. The valley below the Arco Naturale has the Matermania Grotto. It could be reached by following a flight of stairs downwards from the arch. The Matermania Grotto is a natural cavern and makes all visitors wonder at nature’s marvels. Fern Grotto or Grotta delle Felci is another grotto located on island of Capri and popular among visitors.

Mountain on the Island which also contains the highest point of Capri (at 589m) is known as the Monte Solaro. It is known locally as the “cloud catcher.” The mountain was named thus because of the phenomenon whereby thick fog or cloud like formations wrapped the mountain’s peak during dawn. Geographical reasons aside, this phenomenon adds to the overall beauty of the place and the sites that its peak provides. Marina Grande, Capri’s most prominent marina lies at the base of the mountain. The view from the summit is spectacular, as one can see clearly the Bay of Naples and on clear days as far as the mountains of Calabria.

The Island of Capri appears as a charming city from atop Monte Solaro. The flora around the mountain and on the peaks includes colorful and vibrant plants such as ilex, myrtle, Daphne shrubs, orchids, narcissus, and heather to name a few. The flora adds a carpet of greenery and blossoms over and around the peak. There is also a statue of Augustus atop the mountain. All these factors add up to make it appear beautiful and photogenic.

Around the Monte Solaro, near Anacapri, are located the ruins of Barbarossa Castle. These castles are dated somewhere between 10th and 12th century. Located on cliffs these dilapidated structures still provide an imposing site specially when viewed from far. It is not open to tourists regularly; guided tours are organized once in a while, so it should be enquired about beforehand by tourists who want to visit the ruins.

A little while from the peak of Mount Solaro is the Cetrella. This Hermitage of Cetrella is also built on the edge of the cliffs. The location plus combined with the architectural styles of the structures make it a worthwhile visiting place. Dating back to the 16th century, the hermitage had some additions done to it during the 17th century. The hermitage of Cetrella includes a church and bell tower. The views around the hermitage have a quaint and stunning ambience about them. The pergola covered with wisteria, and the wooden benches located on the terrace give the whole place a rustic and charming outlook.

These are by no means the only worthwhile sites in Capri. There are many other historically significant or naturally splendid places around the island. Some of them include Certosa Giacomo, Villa Lysis, Cimitero Acattolico, Casa Rossa to name a few. Casa Rossa was constructed in late 19th century, in 1870s.

This vividly colorful house also contains archaeological findings, as well as painting exhibitions. It makes for a delightful visit. Villa Lysis has amazing gardens with rich flora that includes cypresses. The architecture and culture of the place harmonizes European and Modern influences. The villa was constructed in early 20th century. Other monuments and historical findings across the Island showcase the medieval, imperial as well as the monastic background and historical trajectory of Capri.

Capri figures among the Greek Epics as the home of Sirens, who lured the sailors. The island has also been a favorite amongst European artists and authors during the 19th century and even later. The panoramic pathways, the vivid blue waters, the exclusive shopping experience, the glitz of the city life, the natural wonders across the island and the picturesque views all make this island of Capri within Tyrrhenian Sea a truly enchanting place.